A Heart Month Reflection

On a Saturday morning in 2013 I experienced a heart attack after my daily work out. Because I lead a healthy lifestyle, this came as a total shock to me. My doctor informed me that most people don’t survive the type of heart attack I experienced, but I survived as a result of my healthy lifestyle. This is why, during American Heart Month, I take time to reflect upon my journey with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the impact this organization has had on my life. You can click here to hear more about my personal story.

Throughout February, KPMG aims to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke. Last year KPMG had over 1,000 professionals volunteer over 2,000 hours with the AHA. Furthermore, our firm and our people have contributed $3.9 million toward this lifesaving organization over the past five years through Heart Walks, Go Red for Women, Heart Balls and other initiatives.

This year KPMG is sponsoring the national Kids Heart Challenge, which supports youth, education, health equity and sustainable communities – all of which are aligned with our Community Impact priorities. Building on key lessons from nearly 45 years in America’s schools, the Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole-body wellness, helping students improve their physical and emotional well-being. This exciting new collaboration between KPMG and the Kids Heart Challenge will provide students from all backgrounds the educational tools and heart healthy physical activities to live longer, healthier lives. ?

I’m honored to serve as the Community Impact leader for the American Heart Association national network at KPMG, and as a member of the AHA’s Leaders for a Resilient Generation National Council. This council champions sustainable solutions to ensure that children everywhere can live long, healthy lives regardless of where they grow up, and complements the work of other AHA youth initiatives such as the Kids Heart Challenge.

I am constantly reminded of how precious life is every day and how heart disease affects our communities. I’m humbled to play a role in our collective impact as KPMG works #Together, #ForBetter to make a difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke.?